Overview of Contest
The Michigan Garden Clubs (MGC) High School Essay Contest challenges high school juniors and seniors to submit a 600–750-word essay that addresses the question identified by MGC.
Essay question: Making sustainable choices is critical for the viability of future generations. With this in mind, the 2026 High School Essay contestants will be asked to write on ONE of the following questions:
- HOW CAN FARMS BECOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE?
- HOW CAN URBAN AREAS BECOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE?
The essays are judged on a number of criteria, some of which include format, word choice, grammar, spelling, and demonstrated knowledge of the subject.
Awards: Essays must be sponsored by a local MGC member garden club. Winners of local garden club contests are sent on to compete with other essays from across the state. Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. will provide the following to state winners in the form of gift cards:
- MGC State First place: $300
- MGC State Second place: $100
- MGC State Third place: $50
Deadlines and submissions: Clubs will submit their first-place essays no later than March 15, 2026 to Joyce Muz, MGC High School Essay Advisor emailed to:
Entries should include:
- Cover sheet and essay in WORD format
- High School Essay Contest Entry Form
- MGC Minor Release for Publication and Website
Publication and privacy: Essay winners will be asked to submit a parental permission and photo release form. Winning essays will only be published locally with permission.
All entries are property of Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Privacy is important to Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. Website publication will only identify winners with first name, last name initial, and local garden club.
The contestant’s family does not have to be a local MGC garden club member. Essay may also be submitted at your local high school for class credit pending high school administration approval.
Additional information: Several documents can be found under ‘High School Essay Contest Materials’ tab including:
- Guidelines for clubs to start a youth essay contest
- Letter to send to school administration and others to introduce them to the essay contest
- Information sheet for students that includes essay guidelines and judging criteria
- A rubric that can be used by your club to judge contest essays
- All required entry forms
Check out the essays of our most recent contest winners!
2025 1st Place Essay Winner “Dear Recycling: I Hate to Break It to You” by Alexa G.